BGSU School of Aviation maintains the 'gold standard' for aviation excellence with AABI reaccreditation

Bowling Green State University is one of only three AABI-accredited institutions in Ohio

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in flight education, earning reaccreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

The distinction cements BGSU as a premier hub for pilot training and aviation management. Notably, BGSU is one of only three universities in Ohio – and the only institution in the northwest region of the state – to hold this prestigious accreditation.

Both the flight technology and operations and aviation management and operations programs received the formal seal of approval following a rigorous multi-year review.

“AABI accreditation is the gold standard of aviation, representing the highest level of industry-specific recognition a four-year institution can achieve,” said Catherine Smith, M.Ed., director of the School of Aviation. “This reaccreditation is a testament to our relentless focus on safety, curriculum innovation and preparing our students for an industry that demands excellence.”

The AABI process is an exhaustive evaluation of a program’s faculty, student outcomes, equipment and safety protocols. BGSU first earned the accreditation in 2021. A successful five-year renewal confirms that the program meets and exceeds the evolving standards of the global aviation industry.

“AABI affirms that we aren't just teaching students how to fly or work within the industry – we are upholding a culture of compliance and safety that mirrors the highest standards of excellence,” Smith said. “It ensures our students are earning a degree that carries weight within an industry that requires a technically skilled and well-prepared workforce."

BGSU is home to one of the largest aviation programs in Ohio and the country and is one of the few universities with an airport on its campus.

The accreditation allows BGSU to provide flight technology and operations students with tangible career advantages. With AABI status and FAA Part 141 approval, BGSU students can work towards eligibility requirements to qualify for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate later in their career. This may allow graduates to transition to a commercial airline cockpit with as few as 1,000 hours of flight time, rather than the 1,500 hours required of those from non-accredited programs.

Furthermore, the accreditation bolsters the program’s "pathway" partnerships. Through programs like Delta Propel and the Republic Airways RJet Cadet program, students have a direct, streamlined pipeline to interview with and transition into roles at major and regional airlines before they even graduate.

The aviation management and operations program, specifically designed to prepare students for the complex business side of the aerospace industry, goes beyond technical flight knowledge, with a curriculum that focuses on airport planning, aviation law and safety management systems. During the AABI reaccreditation, the curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities and student outcomes were all reviewed and found to meet aviation-specific standards set by academics and industry professionals.

As airlines and aviation companies actively seek out graduates from AABI-accredited programs, BGSU aviation management and operations students – with their well-rounded business foundation – are actively being selected for careers as airport managers, fixed-base operators and safety inspectors. With a curriculum that integrates management theory with practical aviation applications, students enter the workforce with an understanding of the regulatory environment and financial intricacies of running a commercial aviation enterprise.

By intertwining a high-tech curriculum with industry-leading partnerships, BGSU continues to bridge the gap between the classroom and the hangar. The University’s next AABI comprehensive review is scheduled for 2031.